Vehicle Description
In 1966, Hertz Rental Cars, with Ford, and Carroll Shelby created
the "Rent-a-Racer" program. Before Carroll crossed the final finish
line, passing away in 2012, they did it again, offering this 40th
Anniversary Ford Mustang GT-H, exclusively through Hertz again, in
2006. This tribute to Shelby, Ford, and a unique partnership with
Hertz is completely stock and original. And its one hell of a
car!
Like the original '66 GT-H, the 2006 Anniversary model features the
same black and gold paint scheme that made the original so
striking, and the paint on this car is near perfect. Other features
on this car also stay true to the original. Up front there is a
special aluminum grill with only a running Mustang on red white and
blue stripes off to one side. There are hood pins holding down a
special Shelby hood, and the front bumper is the leading edge of
the special body kit. A "Hertz" badge adorns the front fenders and
a gold stripe with GT-H lettering runs along the lower edge of the
door. Of course there are the Shelby body side scoops, and just in
case you weren't sure yet, "Shelby" script across the back of the
car. The whole car sits noticeably lower to the ground than most
Mustangs, and the 5 spoke, 17 inch wheels are perfect for this
car.
The interior on this car starts with top of the line Mustang
offerings, and adds numerous Shelby touches. Black leather seats
will cradle you in comfort for short blasts across town, or long
trips to club events. The leather wrapped 3 spoke steering wheel
manages to mimic the original look, even though it includes an air
bag now. Behind that is a 140 MPH speedo and a tach to help keep
you within bounds. Of course there are power windows, locks, and
cruise control. The dash board is packed with the expected luxury
features like air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3
capability to keep the music going. Other Shelby touches include a
dash plaque in the center identifying the car as the 179th Shelby
GT-H produced in 2006 with Carroll's signature across the bottom,
and another on the glove box identifying it as the 40th Anniversary
car. Lastly, special black and gold floor and trunk matts finish
out the look.
But Shelby was known for his engine and suspension building skills,
and this is where even more gold is buried on this car. He worked
his magic with a cold air intake, exhaust x-pipe, and performance
calibration to the control unit to tweak Fords 4.6L V-8 to 325 hp @
5750 RPM, and 320 lbs-ft of torque at 4500 RPM. Backing that up is
a sweet 5 speed automatic trans, which sends the power back to a
set of 3:55 gears in the rear. Suspension upgrades started with
lowering the car 1.5 inches! That helps the modified MacPhearson
struts with Ford racing stabilizer bar up front, and the solid axle
with 3-link locating arms and panhard rod in the back, get their
job done more effectively. This car handles like its on rails!
12.4" discs up front, with 11.8s in the rear, all tended to by a
four channel ABS system linked to traction control, make the driver
look like a pro while reigning this pony back in.
The decision to limit production of this model to only 500, means
that they became the lowest true Shelby numbered vehicles in modern
history. Come on down, check it out, and maybe make it part of your
own automotive history.
